Canterbury produced a remarkable second-half resurgence to defeat Northland 43-24 in the NPC final at a sold-out Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch, securing their 16th provincial title and a second consecutive championship.
Down 21-10 at halftime, the defending champions seized control after the break, crossing for five tries to overwhelm the Taniwha.
Captain Brodie McAlister credited Canterbury’s reserves for helping turn the contest around, while Northland skipper Rivez Reihana acknowledged the opposition’s superior intensity. Although Northland’s historic first appearance in an NPC final ended in defeat, their breakthrough campaign, which included a five-week reign as Ranfurly Shield holders, has strengthened confidence in the province’s rugby future.
